Nguutani residents protested on Sunday against sand harvesting which they noted threatens the ecosystem.
They marched on streets for about three hours, waving placards with messages including 'No sand harvesting', 'No lorries without number places' and 'My sand my right'.
They demanded a ban on sand harvesting saying water levels were declining and that their future was at risk.
The protesters asked Kitui governor Charity Ngilu to enforce a strict ban as one existed but people harvested the sand and went punished.
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Last week, Ngilu insisted the regulation was on and would not be lifted without a plan on how residents would benefit. She also wants a plan concerning the sand yard at Kanyonyoo, which borders Machakos and Kitui, and where collection and selling will be done.
Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna said all residents should observe the ban and proposed that they get 15 per cent of the proceeds.
He also recommended a yard at Nguutani.
Kitui's tourism executibe Koki Musau, who joined the demonstrators and helped seize two lorries ferrying charcoal, noted foul play when it comes to trade in sand and charcoal.
"Some people are keen on ensuring locals do not benefit. Make sure you raise the alarm and call police when you spot a lorry illegally ferrying these commodities," he said.
Resident Justus Musango said: "The business community should benefit and police should stop colluding with harvesters and cartels."
He asked for tougher security measures.
Last Thursday, police in Mwingi impounded 10 lorries that were illegally transporting charcoal and two that had sand.